Abstract: Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) injury induced by ionizing radiation (IR) is the primary cause of death after exposure to ionizing radiation. The mechanisms of inducing HSC damage include induction of HSC apoptosis via the p53-Puma pathway; promotion of HSC differentiation via the activation of the G-CSF/Stat3/BATF-dependent differentiation checkpoint; induction of HSC senescence via the ROS-p38 pathway; and damage to the HSC niche. Recent researches provide a basis for the prevention and treatment of bone marrow suppression caused by ionizing radiation.

Key words: Ionizing Radiation, Hematopoietic stem cell, Apoptosis, Differentiation, Senescence